Yeah, there's not much of a difference to play the game a second time. Everything will be the same.
For a second playthrough, you could be evil! Try to kill everyone in the game, including the Magi! Some of them have some pretty nice stuff on them
. There's also the chance to play a different type, like a mage instead of a fighter.
I never really had a problem with experience. Like most rpg games, you'll get to use that good sword eventually if you put enough points into strength. A lot of games have that "Oooo, nice new sword! Oh wait, I can't use it yet!"
